This was my first taste of the Gewurztraminer varietal and, well…., YUM.  It is a dry (sweetness of 01) medium bodied white wine.  The colour is a rich golden straw yellow.  There is a definite hit of spices smoothed by ripe lychee fruit.  Seriously, I drank the whole bottle.  The winemaker suggests serving it with Asian and Indian dishes.   The 2007 won a silver medal in The New Zealand International Wine Show 2007 and a silver in Liquorland top 100, 2007.  I’m just saying – it’s good.  Villa Maria Private Bin 2007 Gewurztraminer East Coast.

My red wine pick this week is, surprise, surprise, a Shiraz.  It is one of my favorite red varietals.  Although I will try to mix it up in the future.  Anyway, the Leasingham Magnus Shiraz 2006 is full bodied with a mouthful of berries and hints of chocolate.   It is ready to drink now or can be cellared and savoured.  I would serve this with a nice medium rare tenderloin.   Sorry there is no link to their website; it is under construction.